Soluble Carbohydrates in Mycorrhized and Non-Mycorrhized Fine Roots of Spruce Seedlings

We present results on the compartmentation o f carbohydrates such as sucrose, glucose, fructose, and mannose in different parts o f an ectomycorrhiza established between Picea abies and Amanita muscaria and compare it with non-mycorrhized fine roots. Lyophilized mycorrhizas and fine roots (< 2 m m length) were dissected into about 0.5 mm thick slices which represent 4 zones o f different physiological functions. The total amount o f the analyzed carbo­ hydrates was about 30% higher in non-mycorrhized (n-myc) compared to mycorrhized (myc) fine roots, with sucrose being the dominating sugar in both root types. A longitudinal distinc­ tion o f sucrose pools showed lowest levels in the middle parts o f a mycorrhiza, which represent areas o f most intense symbiotic interaction. Fine roots without fungal infection did not show longitudinal variations in sugar content.